Republicans have taken control of the U.S. Senate and are working to keep their majority in the House, which would give them full control of Congress alongside President-elect Donald Trump.
If Republicans gain full control, they’ll have more power to advance Trump’s plans. However, if Democrats take over the House, they could block certain actions from the White House.
At an election night event, Trump called the Republican wins a “powerful mandate” and praised key Republican figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Vote counting is still ongoing, and control of the House is uncertain. The election night began with Republicans winning a key seat in West Virginia, and they continued to make gains across the Senate map, defeating Democrat incumbents in several states. Some Senate races are still close, and Republicans have a chance to gain their largest majority in years.
Meanwhile, the battle for the House remains intense, with important races in states like New York, California, Maine, and Nebraska. To take the House, Democrats need to win back some seats while holding on to their own—a tough challenge in districts where Trump is popular.
Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in as the Democratic presidential candidate after Biden withdrew, bringing renewed energy to her party’s campaign. Still, many voters focused on issues like the economy and immigration, with concerns about democracy also driving people to the polls.
This election comes after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, and with a divided Congress, lawmakers will face another test in certifying the 2024 election results.
If Republicans gain control of both chambers, they have an ambitious agenda, including tax cuts, border security, and reducing federal regulations. Trump has promised policies focused on mass deportations and other changes.
In a historic first, two Black women were elected to the Senate, along with the first Korean American and the first openly transgender person in Congress.
Longtime Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell is set to step down, with Senators John Thune and John Cornyn as likely successors.
Billions were spent on both Senate and House races. If control of both chambers changes to opposing parties, it will be a rare historical outcome.